Fans react as Paul Pogba makes his first start in 1,084 days, with the video quickly going viral.
Fans quickly shared their excitement when Paul Pogba made his first start in nearly three years, and clips of the match went viral.
On Saturday, the French midfielder played his first game since May 14, 2023, back when he was with Serie A giants Juventus. He was hit with a four-year doping ban that was later cut down to 18 months after an appeal, meaning he could come back to football in March 2025.
In June 2025, Pogba signed a two-year contract with Ligue 1’s AS Monaco. But, like much of his career, injuries have slowed him down. So far, he’s only played six times this season, and Monaco sits sixth in the league.
Earlier this week, Pogba opened up about how tough it was mentally during his time away, even saying he almost quit football. Talking to French media Footmercato, he said, “Honestly, sometimes I felt like, ‘That’s enough, I’m tired.’ I kept trying, but the struggles didn’t stop. I wondered, ‘What else do I have to do to get past this?’”
He added, “It’s all about time and patience. You have to keep going and not give up. I was lucky to have family and close friends telling me, ‘Don’t say that.’ When I see the messages from fans or hear the applause at stadiums, it motivates me. I want to share that love and happiness with them.”
Then, finally, on Saturday, Pogba started a match again as Monaco won 2-1 against Metz, with goals from Folarin Balogun and Ansu Fati. Videos of Pogba’s game spread fast, and fans flooded social media with their thoughts.
One fan said, “I hope Deschamps calls Pogba up. Imagine him and Cherki setting up Olise, Dembele, and Mbappe!”
Another wrote, “Paul Labile Pogba, it’s always great to see you play. Keep making magic. Here’s hoping for a stronger season with full game time so we can see you at your best.”
A third fan added, “If Pogba returns to his old form and makes the World Cup team, watch out! With Pogba and Kante in midfield and Mbappe, Olise, Doue, and Cherki up front, France could score loads every game.”
And someone else said, “What a big comeback for Pogba after all he’s been through. Just being back on the field is a win. He really fought hard and came back strong.”
Monaco will play at home against Lille on May 10.